But if you live in Peterborough, how far are you willing to travel to sample the food on offer at those restaurants which Michelin thinks deserve special mention in this year’s publication?
The Chubby Castor at Castor (about five miles from the city centre), launched by Adebola Adeshina six years ago in the old Fitzwilliam Arms, retains its listing, as does Lee Clarke’s Prévost at The Haycock Hotel in Wansford. (nine miles).
Jim Trevor’s Six Bells at Witham on the Hill (17 miles) has kept the Bib Gourmand it won last year – the only one in Lincolnshire – while another Bib Gourmand, Hitchen’s Barn in Oakham is 25 miles from the city centre.
The Olive Branch at Clipsham is 23 miles away, while the Michelin Starred Hambleton Hall, also in Rutland, is a 26 mile journey.
But if it is Stars that you crave, Cambridge (40+ miles and the best part of an hour’s drive) has Midsummer House (two Stars) and Restaurant Twenty Two (one Star).
5. Michelin Guide 2024
Hambleton Hall, Rutland (One Star: High quality cooking) MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View: "Aaron Patterson has headed up the stoves since 1992 and there’s a dependability to the cooking here; accomplished seasonal dishes have a classical base with distinct flavours and plenty of modern touches. Bread comes from their own artisan bakery and the 400-bin wine list is a real labour of love." Photo: PT
6. Michelin Guide 2024
Hitchen's Barn, Oakham (Bib Gourmand: good quality, good value cooking) MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View: "Good value, seasonal dishes that are so appealing you might struggle to choose – go for the Cornish turbot on the bone and you won’t be disappointed. The wine list is as well-priced as the food." Photo: supplied
7. Michelin Guide 2024
Olive Branch & Beech House, Clipsham MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View: "The selection of refined British dishes changes daily, reflecting the seasons and keeping things fiercely local. These are accompanied by real ales, homemade lemonade and vodka made from hedgerow berries." Photo: supplied
8. Michelin Guide 2024
Midsummer House, Cambridge (Two Stars: Excellent cooking) MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View: "Dishes continually evolve and, while having a classic base, are packed full of personality and originality; this is a kitchen which is not afraid to push the boundaries." Photo: supplied